Wichita eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1886-1890, 1887-11-17

congratulated herself as she gazed exultanu
upon the diamond ring which Col Holbec
had placed upon her finger. His words o
love still vibrated in her ear, but, strange 1
say, there was no responsive melody IL he
young heart, although her lips had promises
that she would become his wife
She was a young gir1 not yet out Of be
teens-poor, beautiful and ambitious
Col. Holbeck YVES 50-hale, gentlemanIy anc
rich.
Tie wedding was quiet one st. AlbanI
had never seen lovelier bride nor happier
groom; and when, after a months travel tbs
couple took possession of their luxurian
home, Mabel again congratulated herself
upon the brilhancy of her fortune Hell
brightest dreams were meeting with fulfill
ment. Sue entered into her new life with al
the zest of her fresh young spirit, glorying III
the beauty that had purchased her pleasures
and leaving nothing undone that could en-
nance her loveliness.
Col Holbeck accompanied her everywhere
she wished to 60.
''She is too young, too inexperienced for
me TO allow her her freedom he said, ca
ressingly 'She will doubtless tire of this
friyolity after a WHILE and then we viii
settle down to that happy home have 50
often pictured"
But time wore on, and not even the shadow
of such WEAKNESS appeared to cloud the
young wifes spirits. No gayety was pro-
posed which did not tempt her participation,
and no temptation met with resistance.
After three years OF patient waiting, the
frivolities il which she INDUCED SO freely be-
came so utterly distastefui to her husband
that he could no longer restrain his impa-
tiehce
1--WE have been married almost three years,
Mabel" he said to her one evening in the
course Of an interview, "and in all that time
have been but slave at your bidding. 1t
is true am more than twice your age, but
became your husband fondIy believing that
In your love my heart would regain its
youtbfulness, and that you would find COM
fort and happiness in being an old mans dar-
hing. That have been disappointed l freely
acknowledges: that YOU have been I can but
infer. realize now the vanity of the hope
which led me to unite old age with youth,
since our tastes are SO dissimilar What |
have to say to you, however, is this-that I
desire you to relinquish, in a measure, those
frivolities which are separating US SO surely
and SO utterly!"
Mabel looked for moment into his face
and said: Suppose [ do not desire to re-
nounce those pleasures which you seem to
condemn so heartily!
'Then 1 shall resort to that authority
which, as your husband, is vested in mern
''And if do not choose to submit TO that
authority"
That is not question TO be discussed De-
mn
thoroughly aroused and irate. Il am master
of this house, as you will find TO your cost!
That you have never cared for me, except as
the representative of the wealth which pur-
chases your pleasures, is too plain case to
admit of argument But there is one thing
of which you may rest assured. While You
bear my name il must remain as unsullied as
when you received i'll l do not wish YOU to
regard me a brute nor We: rs a tyrant, but
this continual dissipation must ceasel [ am
too old TO be dragged from one scene of
gayety to another, tied, as it were, to thu
wheels of your carriage; and since [ cannot
attend you, you must con1ine yourself moro
at home. You may retire now if you please
but remember that l expect your compliance
with my wishes!n
Thank you for the PRIVILEGE" she re-
turned, saTcastically. II shall not retire,
however, until this question is definitely set
tIedn
Her eyes glowed like midnight stars and
upon her white forehead the beads of per
SEPARATION SpaTkled Ike diamonds ia the full
blaze of the chandelier beneath which she
stood.
THAT do not love you, Col Holbeck,
you seem to be well aware | married ;you
because 1 was dazzled by those visions OF
splendor which you placed before my eyes,
and ! sighed for them as those who travel in
sandy deserts thirst for water. Fashion and
society are my idols. 1 shall not give them
up without struggle, you may rest assured;
but the victory is not always to the strong.
Good night" she added, turning from him
and leaving the room with the air of an en-
press.
Col Holbeck, stunned by her confession,
BARRED his face in his hands
''She shall have her own wayw he sud
denly stoically resolved. 1T she married me,
as she says, for my wealth, she shall not be
cheated in the bargain. She shall enjoy her
freedom unInolested while l live, and nv
wishes hereafter shall remain untold"
Four years passed away, and then the end
of it all came. Mabel was sitting alone in
her elegant drawing room whence d hun
dred guests had just departed, when Col
Holbeck entered hastily ard drew a chair
to her side. She gathered her trailing robes
of amber satin about her more closely. as if
fearing contemplation. He noticed the move
uent, and exclaimed, apologetically: al VOW
ed years ago, Mabel, that never would again,
by word or look, detract from your happi.
ness, and faithfully, until now have kept that
VOW. This, however, Is a perilous moment
for both Of US, and must account for this in
nusion. I have = communication to make
which will stsrtle you; but you must hear il.
Are YOU listeniGgi ] am bankrupt, Mabel.
d bankrupt"
"a bankrupt" she exclaimed, hoarsely.
care You in earnestT'
"Yes; IN terrible earnest. as to--aorrory's
will SHOW! For your sake re-
greet it. You worship wealth and position. |
you told NE once, and have never forgotten |
III God knows / pity you,n
''What are we to dor she asked, brokenly. |
for, try as she might, the tears would not be |
81 do not know" he answered. vaouely
The tidings reached ME but few hours |
ago, Snd since then have thought of moth !
ing but how ] should tell you of it without |
breaking your heart. | am not TOO old 10 /
work for,you, Mabel; but how viii you en- |
6ure our misfortune! You VIII doubtless re-
rroach me for not having provided against |
this contingency when we were married; but |
] did not know then that you sold yourself to |
mel thought that you loved g little. not |
withstanding the disparity of years between
Us"
He ceased speaking and abruptly left the |
room For moment MabeIs hears softened |
toward him; but the next she rose up and. |
sweeping her eyes over tie magnificent apart
rnent said, sstterly: No, no; cannot do
without themls